Chinese hoard stolen from museum

A hoard of rare Chinese artefacts has been stolen from Cambridge University, police have said.

Eighteen items including a 14th century Ming jade cup were stolen during a raid at the institution's Fitzwilliam Museum at around 7.30pm on Friday.

Cambridgeshire Police have appealed for anyone with information to help recover the items, which the force described as "very valuable" and of "great cultural significance".

Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Daber, who is leading the investigation, called Operation Tundra, said the force had carried out forensic examinations following the burglary and were examining CCTV footage.

She said: "The items stolen are very valuable and are of great cultural significance so we are absolutely committed to recovering them and bringing those who stole them to justice.

"The 18 items stolen are mostly jade and part of the museum's permanent collection.

"We have a team of detectives working hard to achieve these ends and we are working closely with the Fitzwilliam Museum, which is doing all it can to help our inquiries.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in or around the Fitzwilliam Museum between 6pm and 8pm and may have heard or seen anything unusual or suspicious.

"While this is an exceptional crime, that we are taking very seriously, it is also worth remembering that this type of offence is extremely rare."